2013 Urban Planning Conference

City-Building: The Key Role of Urban Planning in Historic Preservation and Economic Development in Savannah, Georgia

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at SSU New Student Union

8:30 am - 4:15 pm

Savannah Historic District - River Street

Overview of Conference

The Urban Studies and Planning program at Savannah State University will host a one day conference on March 27, 2013 that explores how urban planning has and continues to be utilized in Savannah, Georgia as an essential tool in developing historic resources and economic opportunities. The title of conference is "City-Building: The Key Role of Urban Planning in Historic Preservation and Economic Development in Savannah, Georgia". The conference will provide the community with a comprehensive review of how strategic planning utilized Savannahs culture and history to fostered sustainable economic development.

Savannah, Georgia is the perfect venue in which to explore the importance of urban planning in city-building. Savannah is in a unique class of cities that have the right combination of planning and historic preservation that have led to sustainable economic development. Its distinction as Americas first planned city, long tradition of urban planning, and development of one of the largest landmark historic districts in the nation demonstrates the interconnectedness of planning, history, culture, preservation and economic development. Great city-building has allowed Savannah to become a favorite destination for domestic and international visitors. This conference will document and explore the absolute relationship between urban planning, historic preservation and economic development, and how this interconnectedness can be a future model for successful and sustainable communities.

An urban planning tradition in Savannah includes the important work of professionals such as Carl Feiss, the original consultant to what is now the Historic Savannah Foundation, and former planning commission director and city manager, Don Mendonsa. Mr. Feiss was a national leader in merging the integrity of the physical environment with the need for a plan to protect it. Don Mendosa was a planner who provided leadership in the development of Savannahs landmark historic district. The planning tradition employed by Oglethorpe and centuries later Feiss and Mendosa continues today through a cadre of well-trained city planners.

The conference will have concurrent lectures. There will be three lecture sessions: one in the morning and the remaining two in the afternoon. Each session will have four concurrent lectures. The morning session (10:00 am - 11:30 am) will have lectures exploring the process and foundation of planning in Savannah, establishment of the Historic Savannah Foundation, and role of city government in policy formation. The first afternoon session (1:00 pm - 2:30 pm) will have four lectures on the rehabilitation of the Savannah Landmark Historic District, funding historic preservation, and tourism. The final session (2:45 pm - 4:15 pm) will focus on the modern application/status of urban planning, historic preservation and economic development in Savannah. Each session will have a lecture on SSUs historic, cultural and academic contributions. All sessions are free and open to the public.

Six lectures have been registered and approved by the American Planning Association for the Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) holders. For more information about the CM credits in the 2013 Urban Planning Conference, visit http://www.planning.org/cm/search/event.htm?EventID=22965